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Posts Tagged ‘small brands’
Interview: Chicago Apparel Designer Kate Coxworth for Kate Boggiano
Company/Designer Name: Kate Boggiano, LLC/Kate Coxworth
Designer Background Summary:
How did you get started?
It seems to me that you’re either born with the love for fashion or you are not-it’s almost a genetic malady of some sorts so the exact starting point for me is a little fuzzy! Like most designers, I got started “patterning” (I use that word lightly) and making my own garments for all sorts of horribly embarrassing social situations at a VERY young age (many of these outfits I still have!). I smartened up when first attending college and convinced myself fashion was just a hobby and being a fashion designer was not a career. A couple years and some tough inner dialogue later, I switched majors from pre-med/biology to an independent major in fashion design at Indiana University. Post college, I made the NYC move and worked for Polo Ralph Lauren as a technical designer then a product merchant where I learned invaluable things about all aspect of the fashion business. In 2006, I moved back to Chicago (my hometown) and started Kate Boggiano and the rest is history!
Why did you join Noblivity?
I joined Noblivity because I think it is a great way to reach out to stores and ultimately customers that I wouldn’t normally have access to.
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
I like to think that Kate Boggiano are classic pieces with a twist. There are beautiful, well made (USA I might add) garments that will have as much relevance to your life tomorrow as they will 5 years from now. Our customers are women who like to purchase things that are unique and beautiful and rare. We cater to the professional woman since our style is a little more dressy than some of the causal knitwear/lifestyle brands that are popular today.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by making the best blouses and dresses that money can buy. I look at what is selling from season to season and try to identify what makes it strong or weak and tweak from there. What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are? There are too many to even think about and they never seem like obstacles until looking back – just unpleasant things that you have to go to in order to accomplish what you want to accomplish.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
Hard work, perseverance, and the open mind to look at things differently. What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far? I can’t name a single greatest moment. Each season we have goals and when these are met, it’s a great feeling!
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
The quality and sophistication of the design continues to elevate ever season so that’s always rewarding to see. What’s next for your brand? We will keep improving our manufacturing, customer service, and operations to make sure that things run as smoothly as possible.
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?
That’s too dangerous to even think about! I try to only think about maintaining profitability and growing the business! What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market? Reorders are the greatest and having vendors that do not share our attitude of providing the best product for the best price in the quickest most efficient manner is my least favorite part.
Describe your typical day?
There is no typical day in this industry!
What is your philosophy of life?
Love what you do, work hard, keep an open mind, treat everyone fairly and the good stuff will come in time!
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Again, the list is WAY too long to go through and explain. I’ve done some incredibly silly things!
When will you know you have made it?
When I see someone walking down the street in a Kate Boggiano piece of clothing and I don’t know them.
Interview: Contemporary Jewerly Designer Alpa Patel
Company/Designer Name: Alpa Patel
Designer Background Summary:
How did you get started?
I started with an obsession in old things; the patina of old jewellery, the fluid organic finishes of the old pieces. I used to take old pieces apart and reassemble them differently and it sparked a creative idea in me.
Why did you join Noblivity®?
It’s a beautiful platform. After I was contacted by Noblivity I found I liked its allegiance to emerging designers and brands. It’s a well-lit road to starting out in a new market.
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
My design style and signature is in using left-of-centre components and highly conceived designs that are never repeated. I believe in combining soft clarity and bedazzlement to target the strong, independent woman who has an appreciation of heritage and individualism.
What inspires you? My African heritage, vintage hardware, paddle steamers; the idea that the old can be reworked and reincarnated into the popular culture of any generation. I’m always speeding along in my mind, making notes, sketching and praying to see more.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are? Getting over the psychological barrier of coming from Africa, where nothing is wasted if it can be helped and resources are limited to Australia, largely composed of a throwaway lifestyle. Changing ideas about re-usability and waste. I think designers can be notoriously wasteful if they don’t take care.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way? Confidence, a whole lot of practice and self-belief.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far? Finally seeing my finished product on the market; selling my pieces and receiving critical acclaim from people in the industry.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far? Growing my materials base; seeking out older and more unique components. My designs have gotten heavier, more complex and grander in scale.
What’s next for your brand? Showcasing at the SFW 2011 in Tanzania for the second time; the imminent release of my catalogue and look book which will include a sneak preview of my 2012 collection.
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand? I would pack my bags and move to Paris and open a shop in Galleries Lafayette.
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market? It’s a proud moment when I can say “This is mine; I made this”. You can carry on at home and in your own mind as much as you like, but it’s a special day when you can come to the market and make a declaration. And then waiting for the response is one of the worst moments of my life. It’s a huge leap of faith in what is a fickle industry.
Describe your typical day? My typical day starts with a brisk walk. I set myself some tasks for the day which include answering emails, researching new ideas, experimenting with different materials and medium. I spend a lot of time troubleshooting a certain component. I read a lot of blogs and magazines for inspiration then go out for a coffee or chips and gravy. Sometimes I do a bit of web travel; I visit countries on the web and have a great time. I love what I do.
What is your philosophy of life? Don’t be distrac….wow that’s a nice doorknob!
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? I would not change anything at all. I believe that this is my time so here I am giving it my very best.
When will you know you have made it? If making it means it’s the end of the road, then I’m going to just enjoy the ride for now. I’ll probably be too engrossed to notice.
Interview: Israeli Contemporary Geometric Jewelry Designer Yael Herman
Company/Designer Name: YAEL HERMAN – Jewelry/Yael Herman
Designer Background Summary:
I am a jewelry maker for the last 30 years. I grow from a goldsmith to a modern designer, creating jewelry from gold silver stainless steel plastic etc. using traditional craftsmanship and advanced technology.
Why did you join Noblivity®?
I think it is a great idea, bringing the individual voice to be heard and seen, to make the world more diverse and interesting.
How did you get started?
After finishing my basic jewelry making education and giving birth to my younger daughter, I opened my work shop with a ceramic artist and a good friend, Nilly Landao. Our first intention was to have a place of our own, to be able to drink coffee and do our thing peacefully. Our place was in an ally of a side road in the center of our home town. It was a humble beginning which make it possible for me to grow slowly, to find my inner voice.
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
I design contemporary geometric jewelry for the sophisticated mature woman.
What inspires you?
Everything!
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
I was always having my own place so I could present my work as I wish, but be a creator and running a gallery is very demanding.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
There is time for everything, but the focus and the intensity shifts from creating my designs and everything else.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
The present time the echo and recognition is beyond my expectation.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
Hope to change all the time with every collection with every new idea.
What’s next for your brand?
SHOES!
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?
The same! have to grow slowly not to lose my rhythm and integrity.
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?
The best is the opportunity to be seen, the worst is having to do all the work beside making jewelry specially write about it!
Describe your typical day?
There isn’t any typical day!
What is your philosophy of life?
Not to lose the passion for what I do.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Have none.
When will you know you have made it?
When I will do the next collection..
WOW….Noblivity FABULOUS Finds Fall Color Burst!
Check out ISM Scarves, Preview Bracelets, Cherry Berry Handbag, ALM Jewelry, Colleen Eitzen and so much more…
WOW…Noblivity FABULOUS Finds Boho Chic
Check out ISM Scarves, A Preview, Silver Centrre, Kiwi Avenue, One Luv, Nucleus, 5 Accessories and so much more…
WOW…Noblivity FABULOUS Finds Tribal Trends
Check out Ntheo Moonscapes Ring, Justine Brooks Crystal Bracelet, Frau Ana Print Dress and Jacket, Karla Wheeler Stud Earrings, Karuni Pendant and so much more…
Interview: Brazilian Swimwear Designer Juliana Ferline for Camoa Brasil
Company/Designer: Camoa Brasil by Juliana Ferline
Designer Background Summary:
How did you get started? All process of getting started had its origin on my passion for beach, art, culture and fashion. With that, Camoa Brasil has started almost 6 years ago on the international market exclusively and only after 3 years the company opened for Brazil’s market.
Why did you join Noblivity®? It‘s a great tool to approach our company to independent retailers in the marketplace increasing sales and promoting the brand.
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
My design style is very sophisticated and with a touch of glamour. My signature for Camoa are pieces “ To do everything or nothing” contrasting the rusticity with sophistication which enables women to feel pretty and confident but also gives the freedom to go anywhere with the same look just changing accessories which the brand considers very important for the modern women.
What inspires you? My inspiration comes from looking to the world, seeing different cultures and languages, observing art, music, design, architecture, gastronomy and also from watching human behavior face to the globalization and all the changing process we go through every day. ll this at the end of the day gives me not only inspiration for my creation process but to life.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
In business we face many obstacles frequently but I see that the biggest obstacle is our mind and our energy when we face a challenge and even on a daily basis. Being conscious of that was very important for me and it gave me the opportunity to work on aspects that we don’t exactly learn at school but can make a big difference in our life.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way? Working and believing in my potential
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far? I’m very intense and really try to make the most of my everyday experience of design and business a great moment.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far? My designs have changed along the brand evolution and I see its more precise in terms of what the brand wants to deliver as a concept.
What’s next for your brand? Growing the number of concept stores in Brasil approaching the brand lifestyle to the final consumer and finding partners internationally to do not only increase sales but promote the brand.
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand? Implement all my ideas towards brand promoting trying to be very innovative and interacting with consumers.
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market? The best thing is being able to express my style and my view of the world in a product that provides not only business but that contributes to women feeling better. The worst thing as a designer is the pressure to make it commercial and saleable.
Describe your typical day? What I most love about my days and life is that I don’t have a real routine, my day is very dynamic, I interact a lot with all departments and search on a daily basis new tools to implement in the company;
What is your philosophy of life? Happiness is the path not the end, so I always try to live where I am happy during the “journey”.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? I wouldn’t do anything differently because I really appreciate all the experience I gained with all missteps that happened along this period.
When will you know you have made it? I’m not sure if I will ever feel like “I made it “ because I always have a new plan, a new idea but I think that if I feel happy during all that, that’s what matters.
Interview: South African Designer Kentroy Yearwood Intoxica Jeans
Company/Designer Name: Intoxica / Kentroy Yearwood
How did you get started? Intoxica was founded in 2005, with the idea to create a high end denim line, which would work ethically sound and in a non polluting way, since the textile industry is a very polluting one, we would like to show that even a high end denim brand can work this way.
Why did you join Noblivity®?
We think Noblivity is a good platform to reach the independent retailer, who is not travelling far to see new collections and designers, but still would like to see and buy these new designers. For the labels it is an ideal opportunity to get in touch with especially the smaller US retailers/boutiques.
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
Our ideal customer is a free thinking man, who likes to stand out and wants to wear cutting edge design, which is on top of the high quality and design, also made fair trade and with organic materials.
What inspires you?
The small things in life
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
For a starting designer label it is very tough to get noticed and to gain some recognition from the market. It takes a while before buyers understand the brand and place an order, especially when the PR budget is not existing. Also producing the complicated designs in small runs is a real challenge each season, as many designers will recognize.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
We keep going, and most importantly, we keep learning. Times have changed a lot since we started in 2005.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
To have shown the collections during Paris Fashion Week, and got noticed by some important magazines, like WWD, Sportswear International, WAD Magazine.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
The direction of the designs do not change that drastically, at first sight you might not see the complexity of the garment, but when you wear it and take a closer look (or even turn it inside out) you will see why Intoxica jeans are one of a kind.
What’s next for your brand?
We slowly would like to build the brand to a world known and sold brand.
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?
We would establish our own organic cottons fields, and support the people who work there, and along the process, establish spinning and weaving facilities, finishing and dyeing, and until the ready garments factory, all in a fair trade way, which we can monitor 100% and see to it is done the correct way.
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?
The best thing is that its like bringing a baby and show it to the outside world. The worst thing is that business is business and its not always going the way it should go.
What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?
I would set up the vertical production facility which could produce the quantities and quality the way we would like them made, in a fair trade way, and non polluting, as much as possible.
What is your philosophy of life?
Carpe Diem
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Keep the collection smaller for a longer period, and postpone the womens line.
When will you know you have made it?
If the term Fair trade has become a pleonasm.
Interview: Southern Designer Emily Bargeron for Bohemian Chic Mamie Ruth
Company/Designer Name: Mamie Ruth/ Emily Bargeron
Designer Background Summary:
How did you get started?
I was introduced to fashion as a little girl by my grandmother, the original Mamie Ruth. She would allow me to scour her jewelry box for vintage treasures and decorate myself with her jewelry. At 13, I began making jewelry and selling my wares at local craft shows and festivals. I continued making jewelry throughout high school and college and my hobby evolved into a career path. I attained a degree in Fashion Design and added clothing design to my repertoire. I debuted my first collection at Charleston Fashion Week in 2009 and I have been designing and selling clothes ever since.
Why did you join Noblivity® ?
It is such an innovative way for emerging designers to connect with the buyers. It is founded by successful entrepreneurs to help other entrepreneurs succeed. It is such a wonderful website and I am honored to be a part of it. 
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
My design style is bohemian chic mixed with Southern charm and tribal flare. My designs are inspired by pieces from the 60′s and 70′s. I love high waisted pants, bell-bottoms, crop tops, and fringe. I design clothes that make you want to dance. My target customer is outgoing, enjoys life, loves music, loves to travel, appreciates art, style, and fashion.
What inspires you?
Mamie Ruth designs are inspired by the sixties and seventies music scene, hippie era, world travel, Native American culture, African tribal traditions, imagination and nature. . Each collection showcases bright colors and bold prints that are reminiscent of the hippie era. Mamie Ruth embodies the free spirit and kind heart of a world traveler and the imagination and creativity of an artist.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
People often think that being a fashion designer isn’t a “real” job. I am asked often If “this is ALL I do?” or “If I actually make money?” People are not accepting of fashion designers in the South because it’s not the normal career path. I am always asked why I’m not in NY or LA. It’s also hard to make connections in the fashion industry when I’m not in a large fashion dominated city. But I think it’s beneficial starting out to be a big fish in a small pond than vice versa.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
Even though I am not in the fashion capitals I don’t disconnect myself from them. I research people in the industry, I follow fashion blogs and stay connected to the latest news and trends. I maintain connections with local fashion icons and media outlets. I am continuously promoting my brand. I know if I fall seven times, I’ll stand up eight.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
I was extremely proud when Mad Men stylist Janie Bryant wore a Mamie Ruth design to Charleston Fashion Week and then tweeted that I was one of her favorite upcoming designers. I was also equally proud when I watched my very first collection strut the runway at Charleston Fashion Week. I immediately knew that fashion was my destiny.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
My style is constantly evolving and maturing. Everyday I learn something new and beneficial that I can apply to my brand. My designs have evolved from simple shifts to more elaborate designs and they will continue to evolve.
What’s next for your brand?
Children’s wear, menswear, handbags, belts… the sky is the limit.
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?
I would mail free product to every celebrity, fashion magazine, stylist, blogger, etc. I could get an address for. I would launch a kids line, menswear line, swimwear line… I would host a HUGE fashion show and party to promote my brand. I would fly from artisans market to artisans market buying their handmade fabrics and goods and include them in my collections…. I could go on and on….
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?
It is thrilling to bring a new product to market. It’s symbolizes the completion of an idea that you were able to execute into a reality. It’s also terrifying to know the amount of work that was put into the product and the possibility that it will not be accepted by the masses.
Describe your typical day?
There is no typical day. Emails, press, pr, post office, packaging, photo shoots, seamstress, samples, sketch, sales, design, network, marketing, and repeat.
What is your philosophy of life?
Que Sera Sera – Whatever will be, will be. I know that everything in life happens for a reason and in it’s own time. I live in the moment and appreciate what I have. I am thankful for each day I am given and I try not to worry too much about the future. I know that God has a plan for this crazy life of mine.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Absolutely Nothing. Each mistake or hardship has been a speed bump in the road to maturity.
When will you know you have made it?
Everyday I wake up and I feel like I have “made it” I am pursuing a career that I am passionate about and enjoy my work. I am appreciative for every sale, every boutique, every customer, and every fan. I think that as long as I am moving forward with my business I will consider myself a lucky girl.
Interview: Indian Jewelry Designer Sangeeta Boochra for Silver Centre
Company/Designer: Sangeeta Boochra/Silver Centre
Designer Background Summary:
How did you get started?
Because of my love towards jewellery and being married to a jeweller, where making jewellery was tradition .
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
Traditional , Contemporary and Luxury Jewellery with its very own chic language of design , trying to give a new face to Indian Jewellery.
Why did you join Noblivity®?
So as to increase our exposure in United States.
What inspires you ?
Nature and History and of course people who love and appreciate style with uncompromising quality.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
To educate the craftsman to work with uncompromising quality.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way ?
Family support and Strong Determination.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far ?
When my designed pieces were selected to be displayed for sale at National Museum , India.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
Fusion of Traditional jewellery with Western.
What’s next for your brand?
Launching stores and promoting jewellery with gold plating and diamonds.
Describe your typical day?
Get up early , have breakfast with family , visit temple , then go to my design studio where I create new designs meet craftsman, check the quality of my designed pieces .
What is your philosophy of life?
Live peacefully and never try to change anyone.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I have no regrets
When will you know you have made it?
The day you realize you have made it your downfall starts , so till the time I am designing I would never reach that satisfaction level.
WOW…Noblivity FABULOUS Finds Beautifully Beachy
Check out Preview Bracelets, Paolita Swimwear, FitLips, VOS Flipflops, Now Voyager, Camoa Brasil, AnthroSpa and much more…
Interview: American Jewelry Designer Courtney Williams for Bella Argentina
Company/Designer Name: Company: Bella Argentina/Courtney Williams
How did you get started?
I have always been interested in design. I started by working for a premium purse and accessories company one summer in Argentina. I could barely speak Spanish but I was so enchanted by the people, culture, and the rich natural beauty that I was motivated to learn more. Working for a fashion company, I realized that Buenos Aires really is the Paris of South America, and I saw an opportunity to create my own design company.
Why did you join Noblivity®?
Noblivity is the best thing to happen to independent designers. They have resources, patience, and belief in the value that small scale designers add to the fashion world.
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
My designs reflect my multicultural, multinational perspective, my quest for balance, and my passion for dance -you can feel movement in every piece. My jewelry is about physically and symbolically uniting the natural with the handmade: the earth’s stones with polished sterling silver. Each of my pieces has a natural gemstone, a play on balance, and handmade touches such as hand wire-wrapped elements that unite the design. My customers are curious, worldly, interested in cultures other than their own, and feel good about supporting international artisans.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired and fascinated by Argentina’s curious intersection of modern life, mother nature, and urban decay. I’m inspired by the drama of dance, particularly Tango, and the optimistic energy of Salsa.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
Managing fluctuating markets and exchange rates during a time of global upheaval has taught me that working internationally is both challenging and rewarding.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
Through immersion in both the US and Argentina, I have learned about gemstones and precious metals in order to further my designs.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
I’ve gotten to travel to beautiful places and work with highly talented designers, which propels me to dream big.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
The biggest change thus far was my transition from base metal to utilizing sterling silver. The difference in quality and beauty is stunning.
What’s next for your brand?
I am excited about incorporating more and more unique gemstones that are fresh and underutilized in the US market. In addition, I have an exciting designer collaboration pending for the upcoming collection.
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?
Every UN ambassador to South America would be wearing my pieces to promote Bella Argentina.
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?
The best thing is seeing something that you’ve imagined materialize from a thought to a drawing and finally into a functional piece of art. The only bother is waiting for it all to happen.
What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?
I’d enter a salsa dancing competition in Cuba.
What is your philosophy of life?
Life is short, so surround yourself with beauty and seek out adventure.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I would have refined my method of identifying qualified artisans earlier in the company formation process.
When will you know you have made it?
When word of mouth is my most effective marketing tool, I’ll know I’ve made it.
Interview: Italian Jewelry Designers Nicolo Bologna and Marco Giugliano for Bosco
Company/Designer Name: BOSCO/Nicolò Bologna & Marco Giugliano
Designer Background Summary:
How did you get started? Everything started in January 2011. We were working in different style offices in Milan, but we wanted to give to fashion a personal point of view. So piece by piece, we started developing our first collection.
Why did you join Noblivity®? Noblivity is a good opportunity for the development of our brand. It brings us the possibility to be visible to a huge number of customers.
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer? BOSCO is a very strong kind of jewel. It reflects the background and personality of both of us. That puts BOSCO at the heart of fashion and jewelry. We like to use bold materials and even the closures come from the leather industry. The chain is something that represent us, and we use it almost in every piece: as base or as ornament. Our customer is a women who know that a dress can be changed with accessories and is not afraid by limits.
What inspires you? Inspiration is something we have inside. If you are sensible you can catch inspiration from everything.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are? The main obstacle we found at the beginning was the ability to reach buyers and shops. At the beginning we weren’t in a showroom, so it was very hard for us to show our collection to customers.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way? We support ourselves and each other and we never stop working. When we can we try to transform every obstacle into a possibility or a challenge.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far? Maybe when we saw a BOSCO necklace published on Italian Vogue…it was a great emotion!
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far? No changes for now. We have opposite point of view! So we continue changing things anytime! So far, everything has gone in the right direction and we’re not supposed to change anything about our collections.
What’s next for your brand? We’re going to introduce a capsule collection of clothes in our Spring Summer 2012.
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand? We’d like to send some kind of gift to our buyer, and maybe we’d love to have an advertisement in fashion magazines.
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market? Just best things, we would say! We’ve received a lot of positive feedback and appreciation, especially in regards to quality compared to price.
Describe your typical day? There is not a typical day. every day is different and we travel a lot.
What is your philosophy of life? You get what you give.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? It’s important to learn as much as you can from experience and we actually would not do anything different from what we’ve done.
When will you know you have made it? When we will be able to help the people we love with our support.
